Single-Site Supportive Housing Development

The Single-Site Supportive Housing Development funding opportunity is a state-level initiative led by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in partnership with the Georgia Housing Finance Authority (GHFA). This funding opportunity is designed to expand the availability of supportive housing across Georgia by enabling the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of properties that exclusively or predominantly serve vulnerable populations. The NOFO, issued on January 23, 2026, is closely aligned with DCA’s broader strategic objective to integrate resources that improve access to stable housing along the housing continuum. Funding is made available through the federal National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), which is administered at the state level by DCA’s Office of Community Housing. The program offers up to $4 million in NHTF funding for the creation or preservation of Single-Site Supportive Housing developments. These developments must dedicate more than 25% of their units to supportive housing, up to 100%, and serve priority populations such as individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, individuals with disabilities, substance use disorders, transition-aged youth, reentry populations, and those cycling through crisis systems. The funding will be provided in the form of a low-interest loan, contingent on a successful 2026 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) application. If selected, applicants will receive a Favorable Financing Letter of Support that strengthens their LIHTC application scoring. Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, nonprofits, and public housing authorities that meet the Qualified Certifying Entity criteria established in the state’s Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). Applicants must also provide a full application through the Emphasys online portal by March 6, 2026, and complete a number of mandatory documents including executive summaries, project narratives, service plans and budgets, preliminary rental assistance commitments, and evidence of relevant qualifications. Each applicant is limited to one submission and must be in good standing with DCA and GHFA, with no unaddressed compliance issues. Applications are evaluated on a 95-point scale across multiple rating factors such as project team experience, the strength of project concept and partnerships, local community engagement, and secured funding for supportive services. Projects must also meet threshold criteria to advance in the selection process, including eligibility, appropriate use of funds, and partnership documentation. Required project features include trauma-informed design, accessibility, sustainable operations planning, tenant selection plans with low-barrier screening, and voluntary, coordinated supportive services delivery. Properties must not resemble institutional facilities and must operate with a minimum affordability period of 30 years. After award notification, expected on April 3, 2026, projects must submit additional documentation for underwriting, construction review, and compliance, including MOUs with service providers and updated financials. DCA retains significant oversight, including monthly construction monitoring and compliance reviews throughout the period of affordability. Applicants must adhere to extensive federal and state regulatory requirements, including BABA, NEPA, URA, and Fair Housing obligations. In addition to funding disbursement conditions, awardees must pay various program fees, such as underwriting, legal, appraisal, and asset management fees. This program operates on an annual cycle in conjunction with the state’s tax credit allocation process. While only one round of funding is formally announced, the NOFO’s structure and timing imply an ongoing annual offering. The next application round is anticipated in early 2027. Applicants should plan for future cycles by consulting DCA’s consolidated plan and remaining engaged with updates to the QAP and related guidance documents. Contact for the program is [email protected] or (404) 679-4840.

Ensure Project Team and Certifying Entity qualifications are submitted by Feb 27 or the application will be ineligible; prioritize narrative completeness and service funding commitments.